> bullies who teachers refused to suspend <
Huh? Teachers have no power to suspend students. None at all. That power exclusively rests with the school administrators (vice-principals, principals, and the superintendent).
I taught for decades in an urban public school. We teachers HATED bullies. I never met a single teacher in all that time who would try to excuse bullying behavior. Maybe such teachers exist. But I never met one.
The problem is with the administrators. They get bonuses and promotions when they reduce school suspensions. So they don’t suspend. I’d write up bullying instances, and forward copies to the principal and the school counselor. I’d get back a brief note saying “student was told to behave”.
It was all a big, sick joke. It makes my stomach hurt even now.
I would quietly tell parents to call the police, and contact a lawyer. But few did. I don’t know why. Maybe the family was afraid of further trouble.
Former teacher. Was just about to say that teachers have no power to suspend. Believe me, if they did the true problem kids would be gone.